Bird Ladder Open House May 15th

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Chuck

Bird Ladder will be having their annual open house May 15th. Every year we have customer appreciation day which includes a truck load sale on everything. Werner ladders, pump jacks, planks, Granite scaffolding, MBW compactors, trowels and mixers, Werner fall protection, Acro roofing equipment, Tie down shingle hoists, Van Mark brakes, Knaack job boxes, Weatherguard truck and van equipment, Reechcraft PowerPole, PowerLift and PowerMast to name a few.

We will also have factory reps demonstrating their products. We will be introducing new products at the show. The NEW Knaack 118 data vault will be on display with demonstrations. We will also have the new Reechcraft Powermast set up. They also have a new free standing base that will be shown. We will also have new MBW plate compactors on display.

Free safety classes will also be returning this year. We will offer ladder safety courses, fall protection courses and also a presentation by Acro products on use of their roof edge protection. Cards will be issued for the ladder and fall protection training. We are also attempting to have a representative from OSHA here to answer questions.

We also serve lunch from 12:00 till the food runs out. So bring your shopping list, save money, get trained, and have lunch.

OSHA Seeks Partners for June 2-6 National Stand-Down on Construction Falls

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Chuck

OSHA will conduct a national safety stand-down June 2-6 to raise awareness among construction employers and their workers about the hazards of falls, the leading cause of fatal incidents for the industry.

OSHA is seeking partners for the stand-down, and it has stocked a national safety stand-down website with information about how to conduct a successful stand-down. After it takes place, employers will be able to provide feedback and receive a personalized certificate of participation.

An OH&S webinar on April 3 is another way to get information about preventing construction falls. Three experts from OSHA (Jim Maddux, Directorate of Construction director); NIOSH (Dr. Christine Branche, Office of Construction Safety and Health director); and CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training (Pete Stafford, executive director) will discuss OSHA’s ongoing Fall Prevention Campaign and the latest information about the causes of falls in the U.S. construction industry.

“Falls account for more than a third of all deaths in this industry,” said Dr. David Michaels, the OSHA assistant secretary. “We’re working with employers, workers, industry groups, state OSH plans, and civic and faith-based organizations to host safety stand-downs that focus on recognizing hazards and preventing falls. We are getting the message out to America’s employers that safety pays and falls cost.”

The stand-down is part of OSHA’s ongoing Fall Prevention Campaign, which was started in 2012 and was developed in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and NIOSH’s National Occupational Research Agenda program.

“We are pleased to join again with OSHA and our NORA partners to focus on fall prevention at construction sites,” said NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard. “Preventing falls in the construction industry benefits everyone, from the worker, to the employer, to the community at large. This safety stand-down serves as an important opportunity for everyone to take the time to learn how to recognize and prevent fall hazards.”

Ladder Mitts: A Simple Solution for Some Common Problems

Posted on March 17, 2014 by birdladder

Ladder mitts keep your ladder from slipping and prevent damage to support surfaces

Climbing a ladder propped against the side of a customer’s home or building is bad enough. Angry birds, irate yellowjackets and strong breezes are only a few of the normal hazards you face.

A screeching building owner is something you do not need. You can protect your sanity and a building’s siding when you use a set of ladder mitts from Werner’s. Not only do they keep a ladder from denting or scratching siding, they also prevent the ladder’s sliding out of position.

We have all seen a cartoon or comedy skit involving a character riding a ladder to the ground as it slides down the side of a house. In real life, you could do the same thing, windmilling your arms, making scary faces and screaming as you get near the ground.

What is funny in a cartoon is not that amusing in real life. Gravity is not our friend. A colorful pair of ladder mitts adds a hint of style to an extension ladder. They can also save the day for you. Continue reading →

Weatherguard Van Solutions

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Chuck

WernerCo Introduces New Weather Guard OEM Van Solutions

van interior

Range includes Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter and others.

WernerCo announces the introduction of professional trade packages for commercial van OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer), including the Ram ProMaster, the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit Connect and others.

Designed for contractors and remodelers on the move, the Weather Guard OEM van solutions packages provide secure, durable and organized van solutions for professionals, regardless of the vehicle. The custom designed Weather Guard Van solutions are developed to fit every detail, including the contours of specialty vans, such as the Ram ProMaster. Continue reading →

Podium Ladder promoted by Coach Tom Izzo

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Chuck

WernerCo podium ladder

Podium ladder from Werner.

Coach Tom Izzo who has cut down many nets at NCAA finals is helping Werner promote their new fiberglass Podium ladder. Ideal for working at fixed heights and easier to maneuver than scaffolds or lifts. Another advantage this fiberglass podium ladder offers in non conductivity. Fiberglass does not conduct electricity, so it is much safer to use around electrical sources than highly-conductive aluminum. The extra-large podium platform with toe guard feels like you are standing on the ground and 4X Work Zone allows you to work facing any direction. This podium ladder features full aluminum bracing and a full set of rear horizontals. The extended guardrail provides an extra point of contact and conveniently organizes tools and accessories. The newly designed EDGE360™ gives the bottom of the ladder protection from every angle with integrated rail shield, EDGE bracing and over-sized foot pads.

Using a platform type ladder reduces fatigue, increases productivity, and is safer than a standard step ladder.

Choosing Sturdy Step Ladders For Safer Workplaces

Posted on February 27, 2014 by birdladder

Werner Aluminum Step Ladder

Aluminum step ladders are vital tools in many different workplaces. Every day, millions rely on step ladders for routine tasks. The right ladder can make all the difference when it comes to workplace safety. Investing in quality equipment can ultimately save organizations quite a bit of money in the long run. Accidents are costly and can lower productivity and profit margins. In addition, quality equipment is important for maintaining a loyal, productive employee base.

Step ladders are among the most versatile ladders in wide usage. Though single-sided step ladders are smaller, these ladders are incredibly handy in a variety of situations. One never knows exactly who will end up using a step ladder. To account for any possibility, consider investing in units with generous maximum weight ratings. For surefire safety assurance, never purchase a ladder with less than a 300 pound maximum weight rating. Continue reading →

Bus Maintenance Scaffold

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Chuck

Many of the new commercial bus designs require maintenance access to roof panels. Keeping employees safe while doing this is a safety issue. Granite Industries and Bird Ladder Co. have developed a bus maintenance scaffold systems to keep maintenance employees safe and meet OSHA requirements. It is a mobile system that is manufactured to the specifications of the bus being used. We have sold units to City of Milwaukee Transit, Marta and City of Omaha Metro. Each operation had different requirements. All units have stairs, guard rails, and toe boards. Employees have safe access to work being done on top of bus. Please contact us for more information.

American made compaction plates

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Chuck

MBW is one of the last remaining American made manufacturer of compaction plates. To remain competitive, they have upgraded there manufacturing equipment to help them remain competitive in a market where other manufacturers have gone off shore to manufacture their equipment. Here is a link to a list of the equipment they are presently using in the manufacture of their equipment.

Since 1967, MBW has been manufacturing one of the construction industry’s most interesting lines of compaction, concrete and related equipment.

What makes the MBW line interesting? MBW is not a copyist – we do not simply duplicate designs developed by others. MBW begins each new engineering project with the assumption that significant progress can be made in terms of improved productivity, reduced maintenance, longer life, enhanced user safety or lower long-term cost of ownership. Often, MBW’s R&D efforts result in entirely fresh approaches to solving industry problems. Many of our products have pushed the productivity envelope to new heights. Some MBW products afford their operators the industry’s safest tools in a given product class. Most MBW products solve long standing maintenance issues and extend product life expectations. Our goal is to provide equipment users with products of significant, tangible, comparative value… reasons to invest in MBW products.

MBW GP18 plate compactor

Recently they have introduced a new line of compact plates called the GPX series.

This series of economical vibratory plates, the GP12, GP15 & GP18, are portable, and offer outstanding compaction performance. A patent-pending suspension system that places shock mounts in a predominantly shear mode at the high amplitude front end of the plate and a predominantly compressive mode at the low amplitude trailing end of the plate. This system reduces hand arm vibration and also better isolates all upper mass components, including the engine, from vibrations produced by the machine’s exciter. With amplitudes up to .058 inches, centrifugal force up to 2100 lbf and travel speed to 75 feet per minute these plates are ideal in confined areas of granular soils including sands, bank run, gravels and capable of achieving lift depths of up to 10 inches (25 cm).

These lightweight plates weighing 129 lbs (59 kg) to 143 lbs (65 kg) are easy to lift and maneuver about the jobsite. Accompanied by intense vibration this series of plates are ideally suited as an economical alternative for small to medium soil compaction applications.

Using a Construction Trash Chute is Safer and Saves Time

Posted on January 13, 2014 by birdladder

A risky part of the construction industry is the demolition of the old that makes way for the new. There are multiple hazards in renovating old buildings that are not as inherent for new construction. Both have their hazards, but tearing out old materials in partial and full remodeling jobs has hazards in the debris produced during the demolition phase.

Construction Site Cleanup

For a safe workplace, it is a good idea to assign personnel to continually gather and remove debris from active work areas. As demolition debris collects, the hazards of workers tripping, falling and being cut by sharp debris increases. Any floor above the first floor involves using stairs or service elevators for debris removal unless a construction trash chute is installed. Continue reading →

WernerCo. Podium Ladder – A New Design for Platform Ladders

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Chuck

WernerCo Podium Ladder

WernerCo. has introduced a new platform ladder called the Podium which is ideal for working at fixed heights and is designed to provide a full range of motion while providing protection at every angle.

The Podium ladder uses the LOCKTOP™ design which organizes tools at the top of the ladder which also functions as an integrated waist-high guard rail that securely wraps around the work zone. The ladder also features the EDGE360™ bracing system that gives protection from every angle on the over-sized platform which allows four times the work zone then a standard ladder.

Mark Peters, Director of Marketing at WernerCo. stated that “We designed our new Podium Ladder to help prevent misuse and falls. While safety is the most important feature, we also know that comfort, mobility and access are important to our customers who have to stand on a ladder for extended periods of time. The new Podium Ladder includes an actual standing platform vs. a traditional ladder step that allows for increased reach and range of motion. The best part, it feels like the user is standing on the ground instead of on a ladder.”

The Podium ladder is also equipped with a full set of rear horizontals, full aluminum bracing and is manufactured with seven-layer fiberglass construction. The Podium has a 300lb load capacity which includes user and materials and has a Type 1A duty rating.